Torfaen

Torfaen is situated in South East Wales, at the eastern end of the Valleys. It used to be a coal-mining area, and the towns of Pontypool and Blaenavon were once centres for the steel industry. Although these industries have disappeared, the region has had some success in attracting light industry. The largest town in the area is the new town of Cwmbran. Tourists come to visit the Brecon Beacons National Park, and the mining museum at Blaenavon.

The Valleys have traditionally been less than enthusiastic about devolution. The MP for Torfaen (the constituency was called Pontypool up until 1983) from 1958 to 1987 was Leo Abse who campaigned for a 'No' vote in the 1979 referendum. Like most of the Valleys this is a Labour stronghold. Paul Murphy won 69% of the vote in Torfaen at the last general election.

Results of 1979 referendum:

		Yes		No		Turnout
All Wales		20%		80%		58.3%
Gwent		12%		88%		55.3%

Beaufort Research/Western Mail poll published on 2 July 1997:

		Agree		Disagree		Don't know
All Wales		43%		29%		28%
Cardiff/SE Wales		37%		33%		30%